Jacob Epstein - Jacob and the AngelThe concept of “the shadow”, becoming conscious of it and integrating it, is often perceived as the place where psychological work in ‘the Jungian tradition’ begins. Jung himself described such a process as the initial stage or ‘apprentice–piece’ of analysis and this comment taken out of context may lead to an underestimation of the depth and complexity that psychological work with the shadow encompasses.

This talk will focus on the biblical story of the brothers Jacob and Esau as a way of exploring different levels of the archetypal shadow. The story is the foundation myth of the nation of Israel and as such occupies an important position in the development of Western religious consciousness. It is a strange story of deception, betrayal, redemption and forgiveness. The name Israel means ‘he who struggles with God’.

This talk is the third in the foundation series offered by Marie Makinson for The C G Jung Society of Queensland. Marie is a Jungian analyst in private practice in Lismore NSW and Brisbane.